RE: Possible frame weld broken on new Montana
Yes. Last summer they pulled into a campsite went to put the slides out and the entire slide, frame and all, fell onto the ground. Keystone took the camper and repaired it and just under a year later, this happened.

RE: Air bags how to use them
I have had airbags on both of my last two duallies and it makes a huge difference in ride quality on rough roads. I have Firestone bags as they were the cheapest at Summit Racing when I bought them in '10. After a few trips with them and the bicycle/foot pump, I bought a Viair 10007 onboard air system with the Firestone dual pneumatic gauges and haven't looked back. I also plumbed in an air coupler underneath the passenger side rear door with a ball valve so I can air up tires for the rig, bicycles or pin box with no problem. It is an expense, but after seeing all of the manifold troubles with the wireless one, I went with this setup. Keep in mind that MANY people still have no trouble with the wireless one. I've used this same system on two different trucks as I made it where I can remove it pretty easily.

RE: 2017 dually vs mid 2000 dually comparisons?
The most impressive thing to me in the battle of the F350 vs the F450 is the turning radius. The F450 comes with the "wide track" front end and has a MUCH better turning radius. The F350 4x4 turns at 38* while the F450 4X4 turns at a full 45*. Much easier to maneuver in tight places. The F450 rides a little more harsh, but that is subjective. The draw back to a 450 is the limited tread patterns for the tires. If memory serves, there are only two manufacturers that have an all terrain tire, one of which is Toyo and has to be ordered. If all you want is a street tire, then that will be of little consequence. I've driven F450 and F350 ambulances for years and can tell you I much prefer to drive an F450 when it is loaded and the turning radius and stopping power shine above the 350.

RE: Question For All The Sailun Tires Owners
Regardless of the mileage, I like the way the camper feels behind the truck. I've had the Chinese junk, Sailuns and GY G614s and the 14 ply tires stop the soft, "lumbering" feeling of the trailer behind you. Much more stable feeling in my opinion.

RE: Possible frame weld broken on new Montana
Sorry guys, been away nursing a slipped disc. Thank you for the well wishes guys. As far as the AC, not really sure. The hottest day we had was 86* so not really a big test. We are going to the lake the end of the week and will most likely get a feel for it then...pardon the pun! They did change out all of the vents and put in ones with almost no neck on them. The airflow has increased some. They re-taped all of the vent openings to try and help too. Of course this is really the first trip we've used both ACs after my dealer replaced the control board in the rear one so it cycles the way it should now. One very funny moment while at the beach and we were gone to dinner. We had turned down the T-stats to around 64* just to see what would happen for a bit. We were gone about a 90 minutes. When we walked back in, my wife who very seldom uses bad words, called me to the camper and said, "Are you happy now? It is 63 effing degrees in here right now! I'll have to admit, it felt REALLY good in there. We usually keep them around 75-78 or so, so I was really shocked when it got that cool. So maybe, just maybe the ACs are doing what they are supposed to do. I will let you guys know about the week at the lake here in GA in July when we get back. Again, thanks!

RE: Possible frame weld broken on new Montana
We have been home from the Myrtle Beach now over a week. The camper did fine. No flex in the nose at all and the caulking is still intact. As far as the warranty goes, we were only offered an extension until September. The paperwork was waiting on us when we returned. Maybe the flex is now permanently gone and we can get to enjoying the unit.

RE: Possible frame weld broken on new Montana
Late yesterday I received an email stating that they had approved my warranty extension until 9/26/17...which is 4 months from now. The email totally ignored the problems caused by the driver and even said they had never had any problem with a transport driver before, however did mention the toll charge and said they would pay it if I sent them the fine. Absolutely no mention of the why the rear bumper was replaced either. I talked to them today twice and have heard from Montana by email twice today stating that the paint is an exclusion to the warranty. I'm waiting an answer to the email I sent back asking why they felt they were not responsible for the damage that was caused when they had control of the unit.
Listening to you guys it is apparent that I should have bought a Montana years ago as the quality was much better. Unless things change drastically, I've owned my last Montana. But as long as they stay "#1 in sales", why would they want to change as they are milking a cash cow.
Along the same lines, a buddy of mine in Michigan has turned his into his dealer as his is five months older than mine with the same flex in the side. Montana has denied his warranty as of now stating that the 1/2" flex in the side is within spec, even though it breaks the caulking every time the unit is picked up. So he and his wife are in a hotel in Michigan waiting to hear something as other avenues are being sought. I believe his is about to get ugly.
When I talked with someone from Montana recently, I was told that they didn't care about anything I put online and they are definitely not afraid of a lawsuit. I guess as long as they can still sell them, they truly don't care. One thing I can tell you is that the sales side cares what it said about them on the net. If the AC units do not cool as they are supposed to when we are at the beach next week, we will go ahead and take the next step. Describing that would violate forum rules here. I will update as I can if you are still interested.

RE: Suggestions for Roof Rack to Haul 2 Kayaks on Quad Cab Truck
I have a Thule square bar system on my '13 dually and carry two kayaks at times there. I also have the front hitch and the Rhino-Rack T-loader for the front when carrying the 12-15 foot ones. If you put the square bars on form any brand, they will have to have something in front or on them to stop the wind noise. I chose to go cheap and wrap a 3/8" piece of rappelling rope around it from side to side which stopped all of the wind noise and helps cushion the kayaks sitting on the bar. I tied it on on one end and use black zip tie on the other end. All you need to stop the wind noise is something to break up the vortices going over the bar. It's worked well for us.

RE: CK-4 oil
Just received from Amsoil my order of 5W40 Signature Series MaxDuty diesel oil. It happens to meet CK-4/CJ-4 specs. I checked the spec sheet, am I missing something?
Ford has been very vocal about the "wear" test that they've conducted on their Powerstroke engines with the new CK oil. Also, a major brand tractor trailer engine maker did the same, just can't recall at this moment. The engine parts tested had higher wear with the new oil versus any of the previous oils. The newer oil has a lower viscocity than previous ones which is causing the concern. Here is Shell's response to their oils Shell's Response

RE: Settle an argument about CCC
The reason I know this is our '12 Sandpiper 365SAQ came with 6k axles and weighed a lot more than they claim it did. So after loading generator and having it weighed, it had 137 pounds of CCC BEFORE anything was put into it. After a 6 week problem solving conversation with FR, they sent new wheels, axles, springs and U-bolts to me dealer for them to put in. Since then, they've changed out over 40 that we know of. Just beware.

RE: Possible frame weld broken on new Montana
So, this brings up a point. If someone has to send their unit back to the factory, should they take off the plates and make the dealer/factory use their transporter plates? After reading this, I would think twice about leaving my plates on my 5er.......
We were told by our dealer that they would use dealer/factory plates but as we can see, that did not happen.

RE: I-85 Reopens through Atlanta
It's all about the money. To do something like this requires lots and lots of it. I'd bet the expense of restoring that highway was probably three times as much (or even more) as if it'd been done the usual way. Doing infrastructure improvements or repairs the way we do in this country these days (not until something breaks) is the only way they can be done without raising taxes to pay for them. Show me of a politician that will say we need to do that, and I'll show you one that won't be in office next week. We've only ourselves to blame.
Completely correct! I just thought it was funny that they are saying that when the same ones are complaining about the repaving of the south end is so expensive:B

RE: Additional spring leaves or airbags?
The cheapest way would be to add Timbrens or bags, but for the $800 you are talking about a local spring shop adding a leaf, you can buy an entire heavy duty set of replacement springs for the rear of the truck from ATS or The Suspension King with new U-bolts cheaper than that. I've put all 4 springs on my Excursion and F250 for under $800 for each truck. And that's all four corners with me doing the work which can be done in your driveway with common hand tools, jack and jackstands. Just throwing out another option.

RE: Questions on road testing of 2017 Ford 250 and 350
Ride quality is subjective.
DITTO! All that should be different between the 250/350 are the rear springs now. Another possibility would be that either one was supplied with a camper package or snow plow prep package. These two options change the spring rate. Plus, a stiff ride to you may mean a firm ride to me. "Similarly equipped" can mean different things to different people. For instance, our new truck to pull the mass casualty trailer at work is a '16 F250 4x4 6.2L gasser that was replacing a '12 F250 4x4 6.7L diesel. The new one with the gas engine will jar you to death, but the 6.7L rode great. I'd have to compare window stickers line for line with the weight differences and the options before deciding anything like that.

RE: Possible frame weld broken on new Montana
Toll evading is not something to be taken lightly.
I just can't believe a CDL driver would do that knowing the consequences for his license, but oh wait, he was pulling our trailer with our tag on it so he didn't bother to stop. :D